Custom product imaging method

ABSTRACT

A networked product imaging system includes devices that provide the production of imaged goods. Sellers are easily integrated into the network with minimal or no inventory requirements. Customer requirements are provided to a central computing device (CCD) that has two-way communication with a plurality of geographically separated product image forming devices. The central computing device determines specifications for forming the image on the blank product in accordance with the customer&#39;s order. The central computing device selects a product image forming device from the plurality of geographically separated product forming devices for fulfilling the order, based upon factors that include the specification of the product image forming device available, the product image forming inventory and the blank product inventory available at the geographic location of the product image forming device. The selected product image forming device forms the image on the blank product at the remote location.

This Application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No.16/774,591 filed Jan. 28, 2020, which is a continuation in part ofapplication Ser. No. 16/567,708 filed Sep. 11, 2019, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 16/125,920, filed Sep. 10, 2018,now U.S. Pat. No. 10,419,644, issued Sep. 17, 2019, which is acontinuation in part of application Ser. No. 15/678,807, filed Aug. 16,2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,075,619, issued Sep. 11, 2018, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 15/136,019, filed Apr. 22, 2016,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,781,307, issued Oct. 3, 2017, which claims thebenefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/249,668, filed Nov. 2,2015.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Digital technology allows mass customization of objects. High volumes ofarticles may be imaged (“mass”), with each article potentially having adifferent image (“customization”). Single articles or low volumes ofobjects may also be economically customized using digital printingmethods.

Mass customization offers advantages over traditional mass productionmethods. Unlike traditional mass production process, mass customizationprovides fast changes between different designs, substrates, blankproducts, printer settings, ink selection, etc. without having tomanually change machinery or operational parameters. Due to the everfaster business cycle, customers prefer to receive finished goods withcustomized images using the fastest possible methods.

Frequently, persons who are interested in providing customized goodsthrough e-commerce do not have the technical skills to set up ane-commerce platform, or they do not have the technical skills to provideproduct fulfillment of the customized goods. There is a need for asolution for startup owners with digital equipment or manufacturingresources who lack of proper e-commerce platforms, web design skills orknowledge, to connect, interface or realize their commerce objectives.There is also a need to provide product fulfillment over a widegeographic area to those who have creative ideas but who do not haveskills in the areas of imaging technology, graphic design, productdesign, color esthetic, or digital imaging management specialties forproduction of customized products from blank product items. There isalso a need for cost reduction in producing such customized products forsmall sellers where expensive hardware, software or design tools must bepurchased.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides networked imaging devices and methods fordigitally decorating or customizing blank products formed of varioussubstrates. The ecosystem may include connected digital end-user devicessuch as computers, internet/web based online intelligent software forgraphic design, image creation or modification and image metadataprocessing. At least one remote fulfillment center provides a productimage forming device, and image forming inventory and blank productinventory.

Digital imaging, printing and shape forming according to the inventionprovides consistent image quality, even though imaging takes place atmultiple geographically diverse and remote order fulfilment locations.The use of networking provides optimal control of imaging parametersirrespective of the image formed or colors printed, environmentalconditions, and blank product to be imaged. Networking also reducesdelivery time and cost of the imaged article to the consumer orcustomer.

A networked product imaging system includes devices that provide theproduction of imaged goods. A customer, who may be a consumer selectsminimally an image and a blank product upon which the image is to beformed. The customer's requirements are provided to a central computingdevice (CCD) that has two-way communication with a plurality ofgeographically separated product forming devices. Each of thegeographically separated product image forming devices communicates tothe central computing device a specification of the product imageforming device and product image forming inventory and blank productinventory associated with the product image forming device and availableto the product image forming device. The central computing devicedetermines specifications for forming the image on the blank product inaccordance with the customer's order.

The central computing device then selects a product image forming devicefrom the plurality of geographically separated product image formingdevices for fulfilling the order, based upon factors that include thespecification of the product image forming device available, the productimage forming inventory and the blank product inventory available at thegeographic location of the product image forming device. The selectedproduct image forming device forms the image for the blank product atthe remote location.

The networked product imaging system may provide website creation for aseller or merchant that is part of the network. Participants may choosedifferent levels of website creation assistance that are a function offactors such as web page complexity, custom products offered, pricemanagement, promotional activities, payment options and other factors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an image formed by a product imageforming device on a blank product.

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing exemplary elements of a remotecomputing device including a product image forming device that is acomputer controlled printer and a heat press

FIG. 3 depicts components of a networked product imaging system.

FIG. 4a indicates data communicated to and from the Central ComputingDevice by a web/internet or cloud based server.

FIG. 4b is a block diagram showing example workflow of a networkedproduct imaging system.

FIG. 5a shows functionality of a product image forming (client) device.

FIG. 5b is a block diagram demonstrating utilization of graphic designtools, image and substrate or blank product information, and orderprocessing through a central computing device.

FIG. 5c demonstrates a product imaging process according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5d demonstrates an image design and imaged product preview using aproduct template.

FIG. 6a is a block diagram demonstrating a central computing device(CCD) with an Ink Monitoring System (ILM) communicating with a productimage forming device that is a printer connected to the product imagingnetwork.

FIG. 6b is a block diagram illustrating exemplary decisions within a CCDand information exchanged between the CCD and a product image formingdevice.

FIG. 7 is block diagram of metadata management and imaging controlthrough Hot Folder storage.

FIG. 8 depicts a transfer imaging process of a blank product.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart demonstrating a network imaging productionprocess.

FIG. 10 shows options for the product image forming device, the productimage forming inventory and blank products at geographically remotelocations.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of webpage automation process

FIG. 12 illustrate the e-commerce webpage template collection viascraping engine through internet

FIG. 13 shows different computing/server components of the network andactivity flowchart under central computing device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A digital image is created using a central computing device (CCD) 4, ora digital image is supplied to the CCD. The CCD communicates with aplurality of remote product image forming devices to determinespecifications, capabilities and locations of the product image formingdevices. The CCD selects a preferred product image forming device, suchas a printer 6 that is digitally (computer) controlled 5.

The image design may be generated by the CCD or by another digitaldevice. Computer design graphic software may be used, or photography maybe used. As shown in FIG. 2, the image design may be read by a scanner 2and the design communicated to the CCD 4. The design may bephotographic, graphic, artistic, or simply letters or words. The use ofcyan, yellow and magenta, and optionally, black ink compositions allowthe printer to print in full color or multi-color designs.

In this example, the printer prints the image 3 onto a medium 9, whichmay be paper. After the image is printed onto the medium, the image ispositioned against the final or receiver substrate 8, and activated bythe application of heat and pressure from a heat supply 10. The image ispermanently transferred from the medium to the final or receiversubstrate by the application of heat and pressure. For example, theimage may be transferred onto a textile substrate, such as a shirt 8,although the image may be transferred onto other materials as a finalsubstrate, such as metal, ceramic, wood, or plastic. The design 3, whichis printed onto the medium 9 without activating the ink, is placedagainst the final substrate which may be a shirt 8. A temperature whichis sufficient to activate the dye is applied by a heat supply such as aheat press 10. In another embodiment, the image is printed onto thefinal or receiver product, and the colorant is heat activated afterprinting by the application of heat to the image.

The process described herein allows remote custom imaging and decorationof small or large quantities of objects ranging from clothing tohousewares to personal items. The process permits different images to beformed in uninterrupted succession by the product image forming device.Blank products formed of different material may be imaged in succession.For example, a printer can print a series of images, a, b, c, d . . . x,y, z, in succession, wherein each of the images is different from theother. Each of the images are formed to specifications that yieldoptimal quality on a specific material from which the blank product isformed. For example, image a may be intended for a textile product;image b for a different textile composition from image a; image cintended for a ceramic, image d for a ceramic of curved shape; image efor a wood product and image f for a metal product to be engraved. Toobtain optimal quality, such as photographic quality, thecharacteristics of the image, as well as the image itself, must beadapted to the blank product. Factors such as two levels of dot gain andother factors must be considered, and the performance of the productimage forming device changed for each image for developing a datamatrix. At the same time, especially by using a computer drivingmultiple product image forming devices, this process of customdecoration of objects can be achieved on a commercial production basisusing various sizes and types of product image forming devices developedfor the product imaging system.

In one embodiment, a mass customization system and method of imaging isemployed. A web/internet or cloud based server provides end users withan interface for customized image design and product order processing,and an internet or cloud linked inventory and order support center forsupporting activities. FIG. 3. The web/internet or cloud based server,which may be designated as a CCD, may be connected to the internet andlinked to multiple client devices. A client device is a digital devicesuch as an RCD (usually comprising a product image forming device) thatis capable of connecting with and communicating with a network, and ispreferred to be able to download, modify and transmit digital images.The RCD is preferred to be able to accomplish customized ordering,typically using network interface tools, which may be provided by theoperator of the CCD to the client. Examples include independentcomputers, tablets, PDAs, smart phones and the like. The inventioncomprises at least one remote fulfillment process center where a remotecomputing device (RCD) comprising a product image forming deviceresides, and at least one Inventory/Support center. Blank products thatare imaged by the heat activated imaging method may be directly andintelligently graphically designed, modified, and ordered from remotelysituated client devices.

The internet or cloud based CCD is a computation server that providestools and database(s). The CCD may comprise multiple markup languageinterfaces and protocols that enable various end user or client devicesto access the CCD. These user devices include, but are not limited to,desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets/phablets, smartphones orpersonal digital assistant (PDA) devices, which may be of variousoperating systems. FIG. 3. The CCD may provide graphic customer designtools that can be accessed and operated from the user devices, allowingon-device quick design and product ordering, and eliminating the needfor a user to own expensive graphics design software.

FIG. 4a demonstrates other components of the CCD that assist thecustomization process. These components include, but are not limited to:substrate-dependent image templates for specific product image forminginventory, stock images (and/or text fonts), quality or resolution (dueto dot gain, etc.) components, bleed control and dimensional adjustmentrules, 2D or 3D image viewing of intended image objects with coloraccuracy calibrated for the device, metadata encryption or encoding forsecure transporting through the internet/cloud, and finished metadatastorage and queuing communications.

Depending on the selection of the blank product, image and product imageforming device, dot gain correction not only eliminates heat activationimaging process quality distortion, but also ensures that what the userviews from on an output device, such as a web browser, is consistentwith the finished product, both with regard to color accuracy andreproduction of fine detail of the image. Depending upon the blankproduct, ink, process parameters, and/or other specific needs orrequirements selected, instructions may be given to a remote fulfillmentprocess computing device (RCD) for matching imaging parameters such asprinthead waveform, piezo pulse frequency, driving force (voltage) orpressure, ink droplet size (grey scale), heat fixing of the image orother imaging process parameters.

Many substrates used for imaging by heat activation of inks or colorantsrequire surface treatment, such as coating the substrate with syntheticmaterials. For instance, ceramic materials are coated with polyester orpolyurethane to provide effective reception of heat activatable images.Natural fibers and many textile substrates require similar treatment toachieve vivid colors upon heat activation to permanently bond colorantsto the substrate. Heat activation may be limited by the shape and sizeof heat fixing or transfer equipment, such as a heat press. Only theareas of the substrate that are within the dimensions of the heat press(or other types of heat activation equipment) are imaged successfully.

The web server CCD software provides an intelligent application that isavailable to a remote user having minimal local design tools. The database of the server contains detailed blank product information. Areas ofthe substrate that are available for imaging, and the imagedimension/shape are selected from the client device, and areautomatically adjusted to ensure proper coverage of the final, imagereceiving substrate, without leaving undesirable void or blank areas.This feature is referred to as the “Bleed Control Rule.”

The Bleed Control Rule of the CCD software may be applied when thefinal, image receiving substrate is dimensionally smaller than thedimension of the heat press or other heat activation treatmentequipment. An image will be enlarged, or occasionally, shrunkproportionally along both planar sides to provide a borderless imagingof the object. The Bleed Control Rule may prevent inconsistent borderson the object, achieving a superior aesthetic result, while covering theentirety of the object. This technique is especially useful when theobject to be imaged is small, and coverage of the entire imageable areaof the object is desirable.

The web server CCD intelligence software may adjust imaging resolutionbased upon the selected blank product to be imaged. For example, a 75line-per-inch loose weave textile substrate requires printing resolutionthat is generally no higher than 150 dots-per-inch. A higher resolutionwill not achieve higher image quality for loose weave textiles, but willconsume more ink and require a longer printing time. On the other hand,a coated metallic substrate may be able to receive the highest possiblephotographic image quality a printer can provide. Lookup tables ofvarious substrates may be employed by the intelligence software thatcorresponds to efficient printing resolutions.

FIG. 4b depicts an example of a workflow process employing software thatmay be available to the CCD. Upon establishing a connection between theCCD and a remote product image forming (client) device, using a webbrowser, a blank product to be imaged is selected. A local image thatresides on, or is locally provided to, the user device may be loadedinto the template for tweaking, overlaying, and/or dimensionaladjustment of the image. Alternatively, an image retrieved from thestock image collection of the CCD may be used. Color selection, shapeand intensity, and the addition of text with various fonts and artisticeffects may be used to provide a final composite image suitable forimaging the blank product. Quality/resolution based, for example, onblank product selection, dot gain information and Bleed Control Rulesmay then be applied as options, followed by a 2 or 3 dimensionalpreview. A work-in-progress file may be temporarily saved or added onthe HADIMC/cloud, and sent to the customer or RCD for approval orfurther editing through a virtual realistic look prior to finalcomposite image storage on the HADIMC. After the user is satisfied withthe design or modification, other relevant information may be added tofulfill the final product order request. This information may include,but is not limited to, the number of blank products to be imaged, dateand/or time of delivery, and a preferred location for pick up orshipment. A metadata file comprising this information is saved on theCCD server or cloud for operational purposes. The CCD softwareautomatically (or manually, if desired) seeks an appropriate remotefulfillment process center for fulfillment of the customer's/user'sorder. This information is displayed or printed for documenting theoperation at the corresponding processing center.

The web server CCD software also monitors the status of each productimage forming device, product image forming inventory and blank productinventory (such as substrates, intermediate media, ink, hardware, andsupplies) and/or service needs or abilities. Feedback related tocustomization production, such as cost, date/time-to-deliver, shippingand handling, etc. may be sent from the product image forming device tothe client device that initiated the product order or to otherdesignated locations through the CCD.

FIG. 5a illustrates functions and FIG. 5b shows workflow processes atthe product image forming (client) device. After connection with theCCD, an automatic selection of program language protocols, such ashypertext markup language, is selected by the user interface for thedevice browser to engage in tasks required to fulfill the imaged productin compliance with the product order. Depending upon the complexity ofthe operation, and/or the internet connection speed, either local devicememory or memory blocks on the CCD may be used for temporary workingimage file storage, and for convenience in the event of furthermodification. This combination of using both the cloud and the user'slocal device RAM or temporary memory gives a quick and fluid userexperience. Final metadata files, such as the composite image(s) for thejob, substrate/product choices, shipping and handling information,product image forming device capabilities, product image forminginventory requirements for the job, product image forming inventoryvolume availability and other inventory related information is preferredto be encoded or encrypted and saved at the CCD location for executionof order fulfillment.

Though both vector and bitmap image types may be used, image files ofvarious formats may be loaded to the online graphic design/modificationinterface of the present invention, including TIFF/TIF, PNG, JPEG/JPG,GIF, etc. High quality image file types such as PNG with both grayscaleand RGB color features, 8 bit color quality or better, and with atransparency option for further modification, are preferred. Losslesscompression of images during internet transmission is also desirable.Preferred final (ready-to-print) and fully rendered composite image filetypes include PNG and PDF.

In an embodiment of the invention, a blank product templatespecification with a background is first provided by the CCD, includingtemplate size (medium size), and product/substrate shape (FIG. 5c ). Aphotographic image, either uploaded from the local client device browseror from a stock image database at the CCD, is placed onto a blank canvasor inserted into a template's existing canvas for the creation of adesign. The design may comprise image content, and may include text withdesired alpha channel values, or both. A “canvas” as used in thisembodiment is a two dimensional plane, with specific pixel width andpixel height, having multiple-layers onto which the user positionsraster images and vector objects, including text and/or images. Theselayers are stacked atop one another. The alpha channel value, or alphavalue, of a pixel, in addition to RGB values, on a layer determines thetransparency, or the degree of visibility to lower layers. For example,the layer ordering determines whether added text is visible in front ofan image or hidden behind. The canvas is precisely sized and dimensionedfor the printing medium (or intermediate medium), which endures theimage scaling properly during the printing process. Program subroutinesfrom either or both sides of CCD and client browser are used to edit theimage design, including Text, that is to appear with the image. Thecombination of the Alpha Channel values, plus the X-Y coordinatesdetermine where on the medium the image and the text will be placed indifferent overlapping layers. A product may have a unique shape (ProductClipping Mask), and a slightly larger Bleed Clipping Mask (bleed controlrule application) may be used to allow for full bleed printing(“edge-to-edge” or borderless printing). Upon previewing and confirming(FIG. 5d ), a fully rendered composite image viewed as a fully trimmedrealistic image on the selected substrate may be saved as an imagingfile, with parameters used to optimize the imaged product. Suchparameters include imaging resolution, spot colorreplacement/independent ink channel control, two levels of dot gaincalibration and adjustment, color management through linearization, inklimiting, ICC profile correction, and/or waveform selection, etc. tobest suit various blank product materials such as ceramic, wood,plastic/polymer resinous composite, metal, or fabrics.

Information regarding other operational or processing aspects of thecustomer's order may be added as metadata to the imaging file prior toqueuing into the webserver/cloud, or being sent to a correspondingremote fulfillment process center. A quantity of each ordered product,delivery time, shipping/handling instructions, or pick up time/locationmay be information provided as part of the order process.

The web based graphic design software accessed via a client deviceallows the device user to retrieve saved images for furthermodification, or for future applications, during subsequent usersessions. Customer identification and/or customer order identificationmay be used for the purpose of session continuation and/or future designand order processes. A user may be enabled to use different devices fordifferent working sessions, as long as program communication protocolscan be established between the CCD and client devices.

A markup language (including scripting language) may be used to producea user interface (UI) facilitating communication between CCD and theclient device for purposes that include image editing/modification.Examples of markup languages include HTML/HTML5, XTML, WML (for wirelessdevices), and Javascript/JSON. Combinations of various markup languagesmay be used when necessary to enrich the functionality especiallygraphic design and modification operations. On the other hand, differenttypes of server-side scripting may be used by the web server (CCD),including PHP, ASP.NET/ASP.NET MVC, WebForms, etc., to generate themarkup language content that is delivered to the client's browser torender the user interface (UI).

The following is an example of a segment of the markup program languageapplied at CCD through client user interface (UI) providing fivedifferent substrates available for selection. Once selected, othercorresponding information may be determined and to be saved in themetadata content.

GET https://webserver.company.com/api/substrate/list JSON Response: {“Data”: [ “Substrates”: [ “Mug”, “T-Shirt”, “Metal Sign”, “Sweatshirt”,“Jersey” ] ′ “Success”: true, “Errors”: [ ] }

Other information may be treated similarly, and may or may not betransparent to the client, such as dimensions, available shippingcarriers, and the like. Information associated with the job processed atCCD, but which is not transparent to the client may include operatingparameters, dot gain lookup table calculation results, printheadwaveform selection commands, etc.

In a process of mass customization imaging according to an embodiment ofthe invention, a large number of imaging jobs may be dispatched forautomatic operation from a CCD to a number of individual andgeographically separated locations, either directly, or through one or aplurality of remote computing devices (RCD). In one embodiment, tomaintain high quality of printed images, factory sealed andnon-refillable or one-time use ink cartridges, reservoirs, orcontainers, are preferred in order to prevent contamination from theenvironment. Further, uninterrupted imaging operations achieve efficientproduct image forming inventory and/or media/blank product usage. Thisgoal may be facilitated by continuous imaging operations to achievedesired performance by, for example, employing a consistent imagingspeed, using consistent media advancement, using the same ink batch forthe entire job, and employing other imaging related variables thatimprove quality and efficiency. For example, a print job for an imagethat is two-meters in length and printed on roll-fed media may wasteprinting ink and/or media if the job is interrupted for ink replacementor change, media replacement, and the like. Changing an ink cartridge orcontainer before completion of printing of the image may result in airbeing introduced into the system, requiring printhead cleaning, and inkjet nozzle examination, interrupting the ongoing production printingjob. Another example is a multiple-page print job with variable datacomponents. Uninterrupted imaging reduces the likelihood of even smallprint quality differences among imaged pages. The present inventionutilizes safeguards to prevent unnecessary interruptions to resupplyproduct image forming inventory to the product image forming device.

Printers used in networking based imaging according to this embodimentmay comprise ink sensors at the remote printers to assist in monitoringproduct image inventory availability device . The ink sensor may beincorporated into the ink cartridge or container, and is otherwiseindependent of the printer. Alternatively, the ink sensor may beincorporated into the printer hardware, and may reset or be resettableeach time a fresh ink cartridge or container is installed or refilled.The ink sensor is in two way communication with the CCD. An essentialmechanism of the ink sensor is detection of the exhaustion of availableink in the cartridge or container, thereby preventing so-called “dryfiring” of the printhead. Dry firing may be detrimental to the life ofthe printhead. Preferably, the ink sensor detects the amount of existingink for each specific color of ink by cartridge or container, andcommunicates the information to the CCD, with or without going throughany RCD in use.

The preferred ink sensor may detect physical properties of a liquid ink,such as weight, optical density, pH value, electrical conductivity,oxygen or air amount, pressure in the ink cartridge or container, and/orother properties with indication of the change of status in terms ofprinting ink in the cartridge or container. These physical propertiesmay be converted to electronic signals that are transmitted to, forexample, a printer controller memory, the RCD and/or CCD. A plurality ofsensors may be used to enhance detection capabilities. Various differentmechanical adapters or housings, and communication protocols may be usedto host and/or connect ink sensors to networked printers and to the RCDserver and/or CCD in real time. Memory chips may communicate detailedinformation about available ink such as batch numbers, coloridentification codes, expiration dates, ink volume, encryption codes,serial numbers, etc.

In one embodiment of the invention, the CCD further comprises aprocessing module that calculates quantitatively the ink volumerequirement for each color of the to-be-dispatched imaging job. The inkvolume may be determined by either a volume of ink or ink droplet countto be jetted via printhead nozzles. The data derived from thecalculation is added to the metadata file that defines the specificimaging job.

An image data file may be converted after the raster process through aRaster Image Processor from user raster data (RGB/CMYK) to print-readydata (RPSC, PCL, or PostScript) to obtain ink usage calculation in termsof volume or weight. For example, a particular image consists a finiteand known number of pixels to be dispatched and printed by aneight-channel printer. After the color processing, one pixel mightcomprise 12% Cyan, 22% Magenta, 8% Yellow, 6% Black (K), 12% LightMagenta, 15% Light Cyan, 26% of Florescent Yellow and 45% FlorescentMagenta. A complete discharge (100%) of each color uses 20 pl(picoliter) of ink. An entire single pixel consumes 2.40 pl of Cyan ink,4.40 pl of Magenta ink, 1.60 pl of Yellow ink, and so forth, with totalink consumption of 29.2 pl according to the example.

In addition to determining image size, image intensity, inkspecifications, dithering, number of imaging passes, and the numberimages to be formed on blank products, total product image forminginventory consumption for each imaging job is determined. A remotelocation product image forming device capable of fulfilling the imagingproduct requirement job is selected. This determination considersfactors such as inventory consumption efficiency (impacted, for example,by the attrition of the printhead or other wear factors), total imagingtime, priming frequency, environmental factors at the remote location(temperature/humidity, etc.), as well as cleaning frequency duringprinting and/or during any standby period. Jetting efficiency and/orbehavior may differ for different ink specifications. For instance,jetting aqueous based ink with low viscosity, low specific gravity ordensity may be very different from a radiation curable high viscosity,high specific gravity or density ink. Therefore, each printer may have aunique ink consumption profile that is different from any other printersat any given ink set, season or location within the network. Such aprofile may be developed by the CCD through iterations of differentprint jobs to provide improved calculation accuracy. This informationmay be applied to future print jobs in determining printer selection.The information may be embedded in each metadata file with other printjob related information such as color correction, waveform selection,dot-gain control and correction, substrate selection profile, and thelike.

Digital printers and other product image forming devices that aredigitally controlled use electronic pulse signals. A series of pulsesgenerate a ‘wave’ to cause discharges of ink droplets or particulates toform color images on media or substrates. Image pixels carrying colorand optical density (color strength) messages may be converted intopulse signals at nozzles of printheads through different color channels.The pixels may be differentiated by shape, strength and/or length. Thesepulses may be recorded by a printer controller memory and collectedaccurately by either or both of the remote and CCD and converted intoweight or volumetric information for each color of inks required for aprint job. The information may be combined into ink consumption profilesfor designated printers in the network. Depending upon the printer andthe printer firmware, different protocols may communicate between aprinter and the RCD which is networked with CCD, or directly from theprinter to the CCD. Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) Internetsoftware utility and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Internetstandard protocol are among the preferred communication methods.

The following is an example of software structure useful in facilitatinguninterrupted imaging based on an eight-channel printer configuration:

float picoliterInkUsageConstant = 20; floattotalPicoLitersMagentaRequired = 0; float totalPicoLitersCyanRequired =0; float totalPicoLitersBlackRequired = 0; floattotalPicoLitersYellowRequired = 0; floattotalPicoLitersLightMagentaRequired = 0; floattotalPicoLitersLightCyanRequired = 0; floattotalPicoLitersFluoPinkRequired = 0; floattotalPicoLitersFluoYellowRequired = 0; for each (image in job){ for each(pixel in image) totalPicoLitersMagentaRequired =totalPicoLitersMagentaRequired + pixel[Magenta] *picoliterInkUsageConstant; totalPicoLitersCyanRequired =totalPicoLitersCyanRequired + pixel[Cyan] *picolit erInkUsageConstant;totalPicoLitersBlackRequired = totalPicoLitersBlackRequired +pixel[Black] *picoli terInkUsageConstant; totalPicoLitersYellowRequired= totalPicoLitersYellowRequired + pixel[Yellow] *picoliterInkUsageConstant; totalPicoLitersLightMagentaRequired =totalPicoLitersLightMagentaRequired +pi xel[LightMagenta] *picoliterInkUsageConstant; totalPicoLitersLightCyanRequired =totalPicoLitersLightCyanRequired + pixel[Lig htCyan]*picoliterInkUsageConstant; totalPicoLitersFluoPinkRequired =totalPicoLitersFluoPinkRequired + pixel[FluoPi nk]*picoliterInkUsageConstant; totalPicoLitersFluoYellowRequired =totalPicoLitersFluoYellowRequired + pixel[Fl uoYellow]*picoliterInkUsageConstant; } } for each (printer) { floatpicoLitersOfMagentaInPrinter = Query(printer, MAGENTA_INK_REMAININ G);float picoLitersOfCyanInPrinter = Query(printer, CYAN_INK_REMAINING);float picoLitersOfBIackInPrinter = Query(printer, BLACK_INK_REMAINING);float picoLitersOfYellowInPrinter = Query(printer,YELLOW_INK_REMAINING); float picoLitersOfLightMagentaInPrinter =Query(printer, LIGHT_MAGENTA_INK _REMAINING); floatpicoLitersOfLightCyanInPrinter = Query(printer, LIGHT_CYAN_INK_REMAINING); float picoLitersOfFluoPinkInPrinter = Query(printer,FLUO_PINK_INK_REMAININ G); float picoLitersOfFluoYellowInPrinter =Query(printer, FLUO_YELLOW_INK_RE MAINING); booleansufficientInkToPrintJob = true; if(totalPicoLitersMagentaRequired <picoLitersOfMagentaInPrinter) sufficientInkToPrintJob = false; elseif(totalPicoLitersCyanRequired < picoLitersOfCyanInPrinter)sufficientInkToPrintJob = false; else if(totalPicoLitersBlackRequired <picoLitersOfBIackInPrinter) sufficientInkToPrintJob = false; elseif(totalPicoLitersYellowRequired < picoLitersOfYellowInPrinter)sufficientInkToPrintJob = false; elseif(totalPicoLitersLightMagentaRequired <picoLitersOfLightMagentaInPrinter ) sufficientInkToPrintJob = false;else if(totalPicoLitersLightCyanRequired <picoLitersOfLightCyanInPrinter) sufficientInkToPrintJob = false; elseif(totalPicoLitersFluoPinkRequired < picoLitersOfFluoPinkInPrinter)sufficientInkToPrintJob = false; elseif(totalPicoLitersFluoYellowRequired < picoLitersOfFluoYellowInPrinter)sufficientInkToPrintJob = false; if(sufficientInkToPrintJob) {Send(printer, job); Exit;

If a sensor of a product image forming device indicates inventorydepletion but is not capable of detecting and/or communicating a preciseavailable quantity of inventory, a monitoring device may be employed tocommunicate with the CCD. For example, for each ink cartridge orcontainer, an Ink Level Module (ILM) may be employed, preferably at theCCD, to monitor or calculate the real-time existing volume of ink ofeach color in the cartridges or containers of each connected printer.The determination of ink volume is based on the known starting inkamount (ink “full” status), ink usage history, standby history, andother factors impacting ink consumption by the printer. This (ILM)volume determination is on printhead jetting activity of each printhead,as well as the printer profile defined by the specifications and historyof the applicable printer. In order to maintain a ‘ready-to-use’ status,printers in standby status may also consume ink for priming to preservea useful meniscus status for each ink nozzle. Extra priming or cleaningmay be needed after a long standby, or even after a power-off period.Changes are monitored and calibrated by the ILM for the CCD in thisexample.

FIG. 6a illustrates related electronic components and showsbi-directional communication between the CCD and a networked remoteproduct image forming device. The CCD as shown incorporates an ILM.

By way of example, an inkjet printer comprises a central processing unit(CPU). A controller is interconnected with the CPU, a printer drivercircuitry, and jetting pulse memory. An ink sensor is employed in theink cartridge. An ink cartridge or container (sometimes referred to anink reservoir) is preferably factory sealed and protected fromenvironmental contamination, and may be physically and electronicallyincorporated into the printer. Electronic circuitry, for instance, anASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuitry) chip mounted on the inkcartridge completes the printer circuitry loop before it functions, andprevents undesired dry firing. Other mechanical and electroniccomponents may be included in the printer according to the needs of theapplication.

The jetting pulse generator (or waveform generator), jetting pulsememory, the amount of ink transported through each channel (includingink transported for delivery system purging, priming, printheadcleaning), and the jetting of different droplet sizes (by applyingdifferent pulse or waveform intensity and length of time) to form therequired image can be accurately recorded and sent to the CCD throughthe ILM. Additionally, different types of pulses may represent differentink droplet volumes for defined and calibrated ink identifications, andthese volumes may be recorded separately. Jetting pulse memory may bereset or otherwise marked when a new ink cartridge is installed, withresetting accomplished either by the printer or by an external computingdevice. An ink sensor with ink volume measuring capability may be usedwith information communicated by an external computing device throughthe printer's electronic circuitry.

A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) electronic circuitry is profferedfor the product image forming device circuitries. The reprogrammablefunction of FPGA is especially useful when different waveform or pulseselection is required for changing ink sets, or for changing imagingspeed. Larger waveform or pulse amplitude and/or longer pulse duration,for example, will generate larger ink droplets for the same inkformulation, which may change the required imaging speed at the samedriving pulse frequency. These inks may not be optimally jetted with auniversal jetting parameter selection due to different physicalproperties and fluid flow characteristics that respond differently tothe selected waveforms. One embodiment of the present invention is tochange jetting waveforms of the networked remote local printers usingcenter, remote, or external computing devices. The printer's electronicmemory may be volatile or nonvolatile for storage data, communicatingwith the computing device through printer input/output (I/O) circuitry.An Electrically Erasable Reprogrammable Memory (EEPROM) chip may be usedfor jetting pulse memory, either alone or in combination with othertypes of memory techniques, including simple ROM (Read-only Memory)chips.

Optionally, pulse and/or ink monitoring and calculations for the ILM maybe performed at the RCD and communicated directly to the remote locationproduct image forming device, and synchronized in real time with theCCD. Each time a networked product image forming device communicates itsavailability for use, or a new cartridge or ink container or otherproduct image forming inventory is installed, updated inventoryinformation is sent to the CCD before a print job is accepted.

Each time an imaging job is dispatched to a selected product imageforming device, a ‘safeguard’ of the CCD, which may be part of the ILM,actuates to compare the product image forming device inventoryconsumption requirement for the product imaging job with the existingproduct image forming inventory quantity at the product image formingdevice. For example, each and every color of inks in the cartridges orcontainers with an ink sensor, regardless of geographic distance of theprinter from the CCD or the time of operation. If an insufficientquantity of product image forming device inventory is detected, theimaging job will not start, and a warning notice is sent to the productimage forming device. Either a different product image forming devicewith sufficient product image forming inventory is selected by the CCDand utilized, or additional inventory is supplied before further action.FIG. 6b further demonstrates a preferred interaction between a computingdevice and networked product image forming devices that ensuressufficient inventory for the product imaging job without interruption.The inventory levels are continuously monitored in real time during theimaging process and updated at the CCD. Blank product inventory may besimilarly monitored.

A single imaging job as dispatched from CCD may require various blankproducts, each having a different inventory usage for proper imaging.For instance, in heat transfer printing where sublimation inks are used,ink limiting factors, printing scan speed, jetting speed, dot gaincorrection, and waveform selection and/or pixel color ink quantities area function of the material from which the blank product is formed andmay vary even though the image design and intermediate substrate (ortransfer media) are the same for each imaged product. For example, hardor non-absorption substrates such as metal sheets require less ink toachieve satisfactory color intensity than soft substrates like non-woventextile materials. Blank product material differences may be accountedfor by applying ink limiting parameters by way of software that areappropriate to the blank product to be imaged. Customer orders for thesame image on different blank products (for example, a holiday familypicture on both ceramic mugs and fabric T-shirt items) may be combinedinto a single imaging job through the same inkjet digital printer whilemaintaining optimal image quality using the same ink cartridge setthrough use of the present invention. The ILM may be used to accuratelycalculate and anticipate total ink consumption based on substratecorrection information and other related parameters, includingwaveforms, for the same printing job imaging different final substrates,while incorporating the required changes at remote local printers. FIG.6 b.

To enhance the accuracy and/or efficiency of the unique printer profilefor each remote product image forming device connected to the centralcomputing device (CCD), a machine learning process, preferablyunsupervised, may be utilized based on empirical product image formingdevice performance data and continuous application behavior. Each time anew geographically remote product image forming device is added to thenetwork, a designated file is constructed through a software program toproduce an independent data file in a database located in the CCD.Product image forming device inventory consumption behavior withdifferent variables such as the type of product image forming device,anticipated specific product image forming inventory consumption,operational efficiency for different specifications, droplet sizes, inkevaporation due to humidity fluctuations, average printer prime/cleaningfrequency during printing and standby periods, ink compatibility, mediaand/or substrate compatibility, etc. are established statistically andretained for future reference through a pre-defined mathematical modeland data management algorithm that may employ extrapolation such aslinear or binomial regression techniques. Model training softwaremechanisms, such as Knowledge Extraction based on Evolutionary Learning(KEEL) framework, may also be used for automatic selection of theoptimal mathematical model chosen from available alternatives. Imagingjobs are dispatched by the CCD with a completed metadata file comprisingprinter profile data output generated by the ILM.

A similar but simpler safeguard module at the CCD or product imageforming device may also be installed to monitor and calculate availableblank product inventory. The product imaging job is not communicated tothe product image forming device if insufficient blank product isavailable, thereby avoiding prevent premature product imaging jobtermination and an unnecessary waste of product image forming inventoryor blank product. An example is where a required length of the blankproduct is insufficient, which could waste product image forminginventory if not discovered before a product imaging job begins.

In an example of a large multiple-page printing job exceeding thecapacity of one complete set of ink cartridges or containers, the ILMintelligently selects one or multiple remote printers with the same orsimilar printing performance profiles, and of the same or similar typeand model, ink batch, media batch, and geographic locations, to optimizeprocess efficiency and minimize differences in printing jobs performedby multiple printers. Should unexpected interruption occur duringprinting, such as a power outage, internet communication interruption,natural disaster, unexplained heavy ink usage, etc., and the originallyselected remote location printer cannot complete the printing job, theILM at CCD will automatically select an alternative networked printer orprinters having the closest parameters to the originally selectedprinter. These parameters may include geographic location, printertype/model, ink batch, media type, and the like, with geographiclocation typically a priority. Further, and optionally, a printer pausefunction may be inserted into the printer command, allowing a qualified(ink ID, ink batch, etc.) ink cartridge replacement at page-end (incut-sheet printing mode) printing.

The ILM is resettable each time a new of ink cartridge or container isinstalled or refilled. The ink level is recorded as a “Full” status witha known value, and included in the printer profile for the specificprinter. It is possible to reset a single color, or to reset an entireset of colors, but the ILM records each individual color ink cartridgeor container due to the fact that different printing jobs may result inuneven consumption of color inks. Preferably, ink sensor or storagememory elements at the remote printer are resettable and used as anadditional printer profile calibration factors.

An RCD may connect at least one digital product image forming device tothe CCD. The RCD may be linked directly with web server CCD. Multipleproduct image forming device, each at different geographic locations,may be connected to the RCD for high efficiency, high throughputmanufacturing and product imaging operations. An RCD may comprise anindependent electronic data processing center such as a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer or computer server loaded with softwareapplications that communicate and pass commands between CCD and localproduct image forming devices. At least one operating system is used,such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, or Apple OS X.

In an example, an image or multiple images are selected for printing aspart of a print job. A blank product for imaging is selected. Typically,these selections are made by a customer and/or user or service provider.The CCD will contribute additional information to facilitate imagingthat is based upon the selected image, selected substrate(s), and themanner in which the image is to be formed, such as by printing,engraving, embroidery or shaping of the product.

The CCD determines the product image forming inventory, if any, andblank product inventory required to form the images according to thespecifications for the product imaging job. The CCD communicates with aplurality of product image forming device that are geographically remotefrom the CCD. By geographically remote and geographically separated itis meant that the CCD and each of the plurality of product image formingdevice are geographically separated such that communication is byinternet or cloud connectivity, and that connection by hard wiring isnot practical. Typically, the CCD is at least several kilometers fromthe product image forming devices, and the product image forming devicesare located in multiple cities, states, countries and/or provinces.

Each of the plurality of product image forming devices communicates tothe CCD product image forming inventory specifications available at theremote location and the quantity of the inventory. Each of the pluralityof product image forming device communicates to the CCD a quantity ofblank product available and the type or specification of the blankproduct. The geographic location of the product image forming device iscommunicated, and may be communicated by an identification code known tothe CCD.

The CCD then selects a product image forming device from the pluralityof product image forming devices to fulfill the product imaging job. Theselection considers the geographic location of the product image formingdevice(s), the inventory available to the product image forming deviceand the volume of inventory available at the product image formingdevice. The CCD provides to the product image forming device informationand specifications of the product imaging job for fulfillment of theproduct imaging job according to customer requirements. The imaginginformation may comprise, for example, an image specification, an inkspecification, a waveform specification and a blank productspecification. The imaging information may be provided in a metadatafile communicated by the CCD to product image forming device. The imagespecification may comprise visual graphics (design) information, colors,image size and image resolution.

The CCD may determine the quantity of ink or other inventory required toform the image or images on a blank product or multiple blank productsas a function of pulse counts required for the image specification,inventory specification, and blank product specification as described.The foregoing example contemplates, for example, large product imagingjobs, for example, where more than 50 cubic centimeters of ink areconsumed by a printer to complete the product imagining job.

One other embodiment of the present invention divides the cloud storageat the CCD into multiple and separate “hot folders” designated fordifferent remote fulfillment centers or RCDs that are remote from eachother. Metadata files of each imaging job with ink quantity requirementscreated from the client device may be accessible at each of the threelocations as shown (client device, CCD, and RCD) for further editing,storage and/or processing operations. Different privileges may beassigned or changed for editing, coding/encoding, grouping/regrouping ofmetadata files for different RCD and/or client devices when such changesare needed. Depending upon the selection method hot folders may becategorized as, for example, according to imaging method, imaginginventory required and quantity thereof, media and/or blank product typeand quantity, product image forming devices, other image processingequipment, etc. This method enhances organizing efficiency and reducesthe possibility of mismatching among various criteria used in theprocesses. The following markup language exemplifies inserting aprocessed composite image file “My design.png” into a printing holdfolder in the cloud. A white color t-shirt is used as a substrate andimaged with sublimation ink using waveform “Std A” at the correspondingprinter.

POST http://webserver.company.com/api/print_hotfolder_3 JSON Request: {“Design”: “My design.png”, “Substrate”: “T-Shirt”, “Color”: “White”,“Inktype”: “Sb05”, “Waveform”: “Std A”, “Location”: “Auto” } JSONResponse { “success”: true, “jobID”: 911B873CF }

FIG. 8 demonstrates a uniquely shaped blank product imaged by a heatactivation transfer imaging process, incorporating a printing medium(intermediate medium). Note that the printed medium is the same size asthe printed file and that metadata such as substrate, print quantity,spot color replacement, ICC profile are taken into consideration. Theprinted medium is placed in contact with the blank product where heat isapplied to activate the ink and permanently bond the image to thesubstrate.

When the product image forming device is an inkjet printer, the ink jetprinter preferably uses high resolution printheads that are preferablysupported by firmware having an embedded algorithm calibrated with adata matrix that is dictated by the imaging characteristics of thespecific heat activatable ink used. In particular, characteristics forboth the first and second levels of dot gain are considered for selectedsubstrate(s) and heat activation parameters. Depending on the incomingfulfillment requirement with quality/resolution information, thealgorithm calculates and anticipates the final resolution/dot size, andadjusts printhead jetting behavior and ink droplet volume accordinglythroughout the entire image printing cycle, based on the specific, finalneeds of the image, which is unique for each heat activatable inkapplication.

The embedded algorithm may be preset on the printer/printhead firmware,but preferably on the RCD and connected to the printer. The embeddedalgorithm may be adjusted or updated with data that is best suited tothe ink and substrate to be printed. Ink characterization and controlsmay be used prior to printing, or during printing, of the substrateperformed by the RCD. Though managed by the RCD, various types ofcontrols may be employed, either directly, or through a variety ofsoftware communications, such as a printer driver, raster image processsoftware, color management/profiling software, add-on for graphicapplication software, etc., as demonstrated in FIG. 6b . In addition,the level of control and degree of adjustment may be different for eachink color channel of the printer to best match color or image qualityrequirements. Other product image forming devices may have similarembedded algorithms to control, for example, an engraving machine orembroidery machine as applicable.

A preferred printhead has at least two arrays of printing nozzles thatare offset with at least one nozzle position in alignment with another.To achieve high quality imaging, a linear nozzle resolution of 150nozzles per inch or higher is desired. That is, each nozzle array has atleast 150 printing nozzles per inch along the direction of the array.The nozzle arrays may be fed by different ink reservoirs or ink tanks,each of very small volume or capacity and positioned inside theprinthead upstream from the piezoelectric mechanism, or the nozzles mayshare one ink reservoir in order to gain high-speed printing, or toimprove native printing resolution. By using various physical mountingconfigurations, and/or applying multiple printing passes, jettingfrequency, and/or advancing motor and scanning motor stepping gaps, aswell as jetting variable size ink dots (ink droplet with differentvolumes), native printing resolution of 600 to 1440 dpi, or more, may beachieved, depending on specific ink droplet volumes.

To achieve proper droplet formation with well-defined jetting outcomescareful selection of the jetting waveform or wave pulse is employed. Thevoltage-time function may be single, double or multiple-peak in shape,depending on the fluid flow dynamic behavior of the heat activatable inkof each and all colors used. Overlapping of multiple pulses with variousamplitudes (voltage), shape (for example, rectangular, triangle, sine,etc.), and durations (both pulse and dead time) may be used to securesuccessful pinch off of droplets while minimizing satellites fromjetting of the ink.

Multiple sets of printhead performance data, such as waveform, may bestored or accessible by RCD from the cloud to drive a printer orprinters connected to the RCD. This enables a change of jetting dropletsize (small, medium or large), frequency/speed, and jetting quality tomatch different ink physical properties such as viscosity, surfaceenergy, and specific gravity. Ink physical properties may also beimpacted by temperature and humidity conditions where theprinter/printheads are located. Optimal printer performance and printquality may require the use of a calibrated set of waveforms.Automatically switching and adjustment by the RCD can minimize oreliminate human operator errors in a highly efficient manner inoperation. This is especially useful when one printer is equipped withtwo or more sets of inks, each having different physical propertiesand/or performance characteristics. Examples include regular fourprocess-color inks (Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, and Black) plus light colorinks (such as light Cyan, light Magenta, and light Black, and/or a clearink), where more than one printhead is used, and different optimaldriving waveforms are preferred in order to reduce primary and secondarydot gain.

Optimal printhead driving parameters such as waveform, pulse frequency,ink droplet size, pressure, and voltage, may be obtained by tweakingdrop-on-demand (DoD) printhead piezoelectric controller parameters,including voltage height, shape, and time span/duration. This process istypically performed using an ink droplet analyzer or ink dropletobserver where video recording or high-speed cameras are used duringexperimental printhead nozzle or channel jetting to compare performanceat various settings for each unique printing ink. Settings in binaryform for the most suitable waveforms at a desired driving frequency maythen be stored and provided to the printhead controller prior toperforming a printing job. Typically, a trapezoidal waveform is used foraqueous based inkjet inks, but the special parameters must be fine-tunedto achieve the required resolution, speed, and/or cleanness (the leastdegree of satellites, tailing, or the like).

In an application where a single drop-on-demand piezoelectric printheadis used to deliver or jet multiple color inks, whether process-color,spot color, fluorescent color or a combination of various types of inks,it is important that the physical properties of the inks are similar sothat the response to the selected driving waveform and/or frequency issubstantially the same for each. Generally speaking, physical propertiesof the ink related to driving behavior include rheology or viscosity,surface and interfacial tension, specific gravity, solid sedimentationbehavior, liquid evaporation speed, and the impact of temperaturesensitivity on these properties. Careful control of these properties byadjusting different ingredients in the liquid jetting inks may becrucial to jetting performance and consistency of the inks.

When an order is received at a remote fulfillment process center fromthe CCD, any encoded or encrypted metadata file is decoded or decrypted.Information regarding the specific image file and instructions areprovided to the product image forming device. Proper parameters forimaging (waveform, driving force, color management, ink limiting,imaging resolution, dithering, independent printer ink channel control,etc.), imaging inventory consumables (ink type, yarn, thread, paper orintermediate substrate, substrate/final media), procedures (materialpreparation, after-treatment procedure, etc.) and shipping and handlingpreferences, etc. are employed accordingly. Operating personnel may thenfollow the instructions at specific product image forming device(s) andequipment to finish the tasks.

The networked, remote product image forming device and/or the RCD usedin an embodiment of the invention carries a geographical identificationsignal by using a geo-location application programming interface (API),indicating the geographical location (latitude and longitude) of theremote fulfillment center for the purpose of cost calculation ofshipping and handling, pickup or delivery, etc. This signal may becommunicated with CCD for operation and task control and monitoring. Avariety of mapping API services, including commercial services such asUPS, FedEx, USPS, may be used for cost estimation or calculation.Customer or client devices may have the option to select from variousprocess locations from the online design and ordering software forselection of the preferred delivery method. For instance, a travelingcustomer may submit his product order from Denver, Colo., U.S.A, andchoose to pick up the order in Moscow, Russia, where he is scheduled topresent the product to his hosting party, thereby avoidingtransportation from Denver of finished product. A remote fulfillmentprocess center in Moscow or at its nearest location may be chosen by CCDto process the order for the fastest processing time and the leastexpensive shipping charges.

Preferably, information used by RCD, such as color profiles (ICCprofile), dot gain calibration and correction lookup tables, imaginginventory limiting and linearization files, waveform settings, and/orvirtual printer drivers (VPD) etc. are stored on internet/cloud, and areaccessible to multiple product image forming devices. This improves datasecurity, and also allows the CCD to update the most recent andeffective parameters, and decrease the probability of erroneousoperations. Optionally, the RCD may be used in combination with an OEMPrinter Driver or RIP (Raster Image Processor). In one embodiment of theinvention, the entire information package may be formatted as aninstallable file (.exe file for MS Windows operating system, .dmg filefor OS X operating system) allowing a user connected to the Internet toaccess and download for local installation prior to imaging.

The RCD may comprise at least one product image forming device withEthernet protocol (IEEE 801.3). Other protocols may also be used such asFirewire (IEEE 1394), USB (Universal serial Bus) 2:0/3.0, Bluetooth(IEEE 802.15), WIFI (IEEE 802.11) etc. as long as the communicationsatisfies imaging file transmission speed requirements. In addition, theRCD may connect with a digital display monitor, or a regulardocument-imaging device, for the purpose of displaying operatinginstructions to human operators using the system. The relevant operatinginstructions are included in the metadata file received from the CCD. Atthe end of each manufacturing process, feedback and status reports maybe sent to the CCD along with various monitoring, cost analysis,customer notification, and/or inventory control purposes. Informationregarding inventory and support control include, but are not limited to,consumables (ink, paper, intermediate media, shelf-life of consumable),workload, equipment and hardware status, weather (temperature, humidity,extreme weather condition), labor status, and local transportationstatus, etc.

The following programming examples show communications between CCD andRCD/product image forming device. The first example reports that an RCDis connected, and reports the status of a set of three printersavailable on that node with each carrying different inks, waveforms, andon-printer ink cartridge usage leveler. This allows CCD to determinewhether any parameter changes should be made, or whether materials andsupplies are needed, etc.:

HTTP POST http://cs.company.com/api/hadig25/report_status JSON request:{ “auth token”: “5ad0eb93697215bc0d48a7b69aa6fb8b”, “host_name”:“RCD-A”, “printer”: { “name”: “Printer A”, “status”: “Online”,“inktype”: “Sb05”, “waveform”: “Sb35”, “cyan_level”: 36,“magenta_level”: 84, “yellow_level”: 54, “black level”: 35 }, “printer”:{ “name”: “Printer B”, “status”: “Out of paper”, “inktype”: “Pg01”,“waveform”: “Std03”, “cyan_level”: 33, “magenta_level”: 48,“yellow_level”: 45, “black level”: 53 }, “printer”: { “name”: “PrinterC”, “status”: “Offline”, “inktype”: “Hb01”, “waveform”: “Std A”,“cyan_level”: 0, “magenta_level”: 0, “yellow_level”: 0, “black level”: 0} } JSON response: { “success”: true }

In the following second example, the RCD queries the CCD for pendingjobs ready to print. The response indicates ready jobs and the uniqueURL at which the print data can be retrieved at each of the threeprinters at the location.

HTTP POST http://cs.company.com/api/hadig05/query_pending_jobs JSONrequest: { “auth token”: “5ad0eb93697215bc0d48a7b69aa6fb8b”, “hostname”: “RCD-A” } JSON response:{ “job”: { “printer_name”: “Printer A”,“job_name”: “Sample job 1”, “copies”: 1, “url”:“http://cs.company.com/jobs/c2300c87-57a7-4acd-bd8d- f005ca7dca8e.prn”},“job”: { “printer_name”: “Printer B”, “job_name”: “Sample job 2”,“copies’.’: 1, “url”:“http://cs.company.com/jobs/7653a379-7995-46f4-b51c-213b2e716785.prn” },“job”: { “printer_name”: “Printer A”, “job_name”: “Sample job 3”,“copies”: 2, “url”: “http://cs.company.com/jobs/0074ac2e-24ce-4054-b910-1c3f7151ecf5.prn” } }

The Inventory/support center depicted in FIG. 3 may be in a remotelocation linked with the internet/cloud for information communication.It comprises product image forming device availability, blank productinventory and product image forming inventory, and may be dispatched asneeded. It may also provide supporting technical resources fordiagnosis, repair, and/or training. A Just-in-Time (JIT) status of eachand every remote fulfillment process center (via RCD) is monitored bythe center through the CCD to determine the best approach foroperational actions.

While the medium onto which the image is printed for subsequent transfermay be paper, the medium may also be film, textile, metal or othersubstrates, for either direct or transfer printing applications. Withtransfer imaging processes, the printing medium may be called anintermediate substrate or medium. While different conveyance mechanismsfor the medium may be employed, it is preferred that the medium istransported through the printer carriage in a direction perpendicular tothe printhead scan direction. The printer must convey themedium/substrate through the printer during the printing process at aselected advancing velocity in order to achieve acceptable printquality. The surface characteristics of materials of films, metals andtextiles vary to a material degree from paper and from each other. Thesurface friction of metal is substantially different from a textile suchas a poly/cotton blend. Accordingly, the medium conveyance or transportmechanism of the printer when used to print media other than paper mustbe constructed for media of various thicknesses, rigidity and/or surfaceproperty at a desired velocity to ensure adequate ink droplet impactstability.

To prevent inconsistent color and other product quality results, it isimportant that each participating remote fulfillment center andassociated product image forming device(s), imaging equipment, productimage forming inventory, and blank product are uniform and employ thesame standards. For instance, color standards for textiles may be usedto calibrate inks, substrates and equipment performance for eachparticipating remote fulfillment process center. These often involvestandard calibration equipment such as colorimeter, colorfast equipment,weather meter, and/or detergent. A certification program using thestandard may be elected and enforced prior to commercial applicationsfor each remote fulfillment process center to achieve reliablemanufacturing quality. Customized standards, or a combination of variousstandards, may be used to control and monitor consistent performanceacross the entire system.

The printhead may employ a relatively broad spectrum of driving forcefrequencies for the piezoelectric system. Variable driving forcefrequencies allow the production of well-defined ink droplets ofvariable volumes. “Well-defined ink droplets” means minimizing undesirednon-jetting, tailing/Rayleigh breakup, elongation, satelliting or bubblebursting of the droplet at the tip of the surface of printing nozzles.Depending on the physical properties of the heat activatable ink, thedriving force frequency may be between 5 kHz and 40 kHz, preferablybetween 8 to 20 kHz for small printers of the preferred embodiment.

Various types of digital printing inks may be used to practice thepresent invention, either in combination with heat activatable inks oralone. Printing performance may be enhanced by using first level dotgain control where a direct printing technique is applied, and inkjetting parameter fine-tuning for various porous and/or non-poroussubstrates that are best suited for the selected ink type. Reactive dyeink, direct dye ink, acid dye ink, cationic dye ink, reactive dispersedye ink, pigment inkjet ink, crosslinkable/self-crosslinkable ink,hot-melt 3D printing ink, radiation or energy curable ink, such asultraviolet radiation curable ink, may be used alone or in a mixedfashion. For instance, an 8-channel printer may use dual CMYK ink sets,with one set being heat activated inks and the other set being radiationcurable inks. During the printing process, each of the two sets is beingprinted independently, using specific sets of printing controlparameters including dot gain control, jetting frequency, waveform andink droplet size, and the like directly from CCD, or indirectly throughRCD

In an exemplary imaging method according to the invention, an RCDtransmits an image to a CCD, FIG. 3. The image may be provided by a userof the geographically RCD by creation of the image on the device or onanother computing device. The image may be downloaded from anothersource. The geographically RCD may be a computer, including, but notlimited to a desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer or acellular telephone with such capacity.

The CCD may communicate to the RCD an image or selection optionscomprising several images. The images may be manipulated as to form andappearance, as demonstrated at FIG. 5 a.

The geographically RCD also communicates specifications of a blankproduct or blank products to be imaged to the CCD. Optional blankproducts may be first communicated to the geographically remote RCD,with the user of the geographically RCD selecting specifications of asubstrate or substrates upon which the image is to be formed (FIG. 7a ).

The CCD selects a geographically remote fulfillment product imageforming device(s). It is preferred that remote fulfillment product imageforming devices that are part of the network comprise differenttechnologies and configurations to handle different required imagingspecifications, and are available at many separate locations, such as inmost cities in world. The invention as described, in an embodiment, canimage an intermediate substrate such as paper, using relativelyinexpensive desktop printers and heat activated inks, such as ink jetprinter ink comprising sublimation dyes. An imaging operation that willfill orders for customizing many blank products costs a few hundreddollars, and therefore, such remote printers can be made available atminimal cost a location that is very near the consumer of the imagedblank product. Local fulfilment that is part of a geographically diversedistribution system is available according to the invention. In somecases, certain imaging requirements will require more sophisticatedremote fulfillment product image forming devices. The CCD chooses thegeographically remote fulfillment product image forming device as afunction of factors such as the selected image and blank product,product image forming device capabilities, and the consumer's location.Image quality and consistency is maintained by the CCD selecting anappropriate geographically RCD/product image forming device(s) andproviding the product image forming device(s) the appropriateinstructions, rather than the instructions for imaging being determinedlocally at the product image forming device(s).

The CCD communicates a graphic image file for the image to be formed,along with the specification(s) of the blank product to a fulfillmentproduct image forming device (RCD) that is associated with thegeographically remote fulfillment product image forming device. The CCDmay also select product image forming inventory from a plurality ofproduct image forming inventory specifications. The product imageforming inventory specification is communicated to the fulfillmentproduct image forming device (RCD), FIG. 5 b.

The CCD communicates imaging instructions to the RCD/fulfillment productimage forming device. Determining the instructions for the image andblank product the RCD/product image forming device maintains quality andconsistency from location to location. These instructions may include,color management profile(s), ink limiting parameters and print headwaveform. These instructions are selected by the CCD as a function offactors such as the product image forming device capabilities, graphicimage file requirements, the product image forming inventoryspecification and the specification of the blank product. Otherinformation communicated from the CCD to the remote fulfillment productimage forming device (RCD) may include image resolution, ink dropletsizes, and frequency, such as piezo pulse frequency, pulse pressure andvoltage to the geographically remote fulfillment printer.

The CCD and/or the fulfillment computing device (RCD) causes thegeographically remote fulfillment product image forming device to formthe image selected using the product image forming inventory selectedand according to the information provided by the CCD. The product imageforming device forms an image according to the image selected to beformed on a blank product according to the specification of thesubstrate selected from the RCD.

In one embodiment, the ink specification selected by the CCD is a heatactivated ink, such as an ink comprising sublimation dye. Thegeographically remote fulfillment product image forming device (printer)prints the image selected on an intermediate substrate, which may bepaper. The image is transferred by application of heat and pressure tothe substrate, which is rarely paper, and is commonly a ceramic, metalor textile substrate. The substrate may be three dimensional in someinstances.

In other embodiments, the image may be formed by directly imaging on theselected blank product. An engraving machine may image the blankproduct. In another example an embroidery machine embroiders the blankproduct. If the product image forming device is a printer, ink or tonermay be selected by the CCD from, for example, dye based inks, heatsensitive inks, radiation curable inks, and 3D heat fusible printinginks or toner. The inks or toners are selected as a function of factorssuch as the image to be printed, printer capabilities, waveformaddressability, media or blank product handling ability, and theselected blank product.

The present product imaging or product customization system may usesurface product image forming devices, such as an inkjet printer, or itmay use imaging devices that provide product configuration, such asdevices that form shapes or form objects that are two or threedimensional. Such devices are remotely accessed and linked digitally orby computing devices according to the invention. Software algorithms maybe used enable or perfect desired final imaging results. Either additivemanufacturing (such as ink/toner deposition printing, transferpaper/film imaging, 3D printing or digitally-controlledembroidery/needle machine use) or subtractive manufacturing techniques(such as computer-guided laser cutting/engraving), or combinations ofthe two techniques may be employed. A combination of imaging techniquesfor networked mass customization provides complex imaging with uniqueand/or best quality results.

The substrates or product blanks to be imaged, in one embodiment of thepresent invention, are blank product inventory that is imaged accordingto the invention. Information about available blank product inventory atthe location of the remote computing device, such as brand, quantity,batch/lot number, suitability for a particular imaging process,fulfillment certification status, origin of the manufacturing process,and the like are tracked through the networked system, along withproduct imaging inventory such as ink/paste, toner, colorant, 3Dmanufacturing ink/powder/filament or thread, transfer paper/stock paper,stock image/design, so that product imaging or customization isaccurately fulfilled at each segment of the process such as production,supply center, and transportation. Preferably, goods are labeled,packaged, transported, stored or used with digital logs (such as 1DBarcode or QR code) with just-in-time (JIT) status through the course ofthe entire imaging process and delivery process, and the informationcommunicated to central computing device (CCD) for the purpose of dataacquisition, monitoring, data analysis/machine learning, qualitycontrol, and/or operation optimizing. Typical imaging substrates orblank products include mugs, T-shirts/apparel, roll fabrics/textilematerials, smart phone covers, gift cards, tote bags, water bottles,coasters footwear, ceramics/stoneware, metal sheets, floor mat/carpetsand other consumer items.

An example of product imaging production devices and processingaccording to an embodiment of the invention is demonstrated by FIG. 10.A customer places an order for a decorated finished product. Thecustomer specifies, at a minimum, the design or image to be produced theblank product upon which the design or image will be formed, and alocation for delivery of the finished product.

The blank product may comprise ceramic, textile, metal, polymer, wood orglass. FIG. 11. Examples of specific blank products include coffee mugs,shirts, wood and metal plaques, mouse pads and trophies. The blankproducts may be substrates upon which an image is formed as enumeratedor described herein.

The chosen design or image may be formed upon the blank product. Anexample is a printed image formed of ink, paint or toner. The design orimage may be engraved, such as by engraving metal or glass. A design maybe formed by cutting, such as cutting metal, wood, glass, plastic orother materials from which the blank product is formed into a desiredshape.

After the blank product and design and/or image are chosen by thecustomer, the blank product and design and/or image are provided to thecentral computing device (CCD). The CCD employs an algorithm thatdetermines the production specifications for the finished product,including the examples provided herein.

The CCD is connected to multiple remote computing devices (RCD) that aregeographically separated. By “geographically separated” it is meant thatthe RCDs are located in multiple cities, and preferably multiple states,provinces and/or countries. Each RCD communicates to the CCD thecapabilities of the RCD and the location of the RCD. Each RCDcommunicates the image forming device available at the geographiclocation, and the blank product inventory available at the geographiclocation, and for many image forming devices, the product image forminginventory available. For example, the RCD will communicate whether ithas available a printer, a laser cutter, and/or an embroidery (needle)device as one or more image forming devices, and the specifications ofthe image forming device(s). For a printer, the RCD will communicatespecifications that include the type of printer, the ink or toner usedby the printer (such as inks described herein), and the carriage widthof the printer, as well as the software used to control the imageforming device. The RCD will communicate to the CCD the image forminginventory available at the geographically remote location. Image forminginventory may include the ink or toner inventory and the type of ink ortoner (such as sublimation ink, laser toner, or pigment ink), or types,colors and inventory of embroidery materials, In another embodiment, theRCD will communicate 3D printing capabilities of a 3D printer, andavailable image forming inventory, such as ABS plastic, PLA, polyamide(nylon), wood, glass filled polyamide, stereolithography materials(epoxy resins), silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymers andpolycarbonate.

The CCD then selects an RCD to form the finished product. Priority willusually be given to the RCD that is geographically closest to the finaldelivery location of the finished product. The RCD with the closestfinal delivery location must also have the capability to image thefinished product, and if not, the closest RCD to the final deliverylocation having the capability to image the finished product will bechosen by the CCD. The RCD must have the required image forming deviceand product image forming inventory, and suitable blank productinventory.

The CCD provides to the selected RCD the image specification, the blankproduct specification, and operating specifications for the imageforming device to achieve the finished product as ordered by thecustomer. The operating specifications may include specifications forimage quality, dot gain, waveform and frequency, ink printing channelselection, total ink/consumable requirement, multiple imaging path/stepand sequence instructions, substrate batch or quality requirement,feedback data manipulation and/or collection/storage instruction,quality control/assurance parameters and instructions, and in the caseof printing, specifications as described herein. The specifications mayinclude directions for cutting, etching, material pre-treatment andafter-treatment, printing and embroidering and other applicableinformation relevant to finished product requirements. The inventionprovides quality control for uniform product quality for product imagingover a range of blank products or substrates and image forming devices.Product delivery information is also provided to the selected RCD by theCCD.

In one embodiment, the invention enables e-commerce participants toeasily create an e-commerce website. Participants may connect to variousparticipants in networked e-commerce activities including sellers ormerchants, fulfillment locations, manufacturers, inventory sources,financial transaction providers, data processers, service providers,or/and logistics providers. A web/internet or cloud-based server orservers may provide e-commerce participants with interfaces throughtheir local computing devices for customized web design, product design,and image design and product ordering processing linked through acentral computing device (CCD). FIG. 11 demonstrates an exemplarynetwork structure with various digital network ecosystem components, andworkflow processes.

In one embodiment, an e-commerce website for producing custom decoratedproducts can be established by a seller or merchant (FIG. 13, 510) whohas little to no skill in creating a website or in producing customizedgoods. A website template may be provided to the seller, such as by theproprietor of the CCD (FIG. 13, 500). The website template may beproduced by web scraping (FIG. 12), using an Application ProgrammingInterface (API) in one example, or by the digital template library (FIG.13, 501) provided by the ecosystem. The seller is prompted to provideinformation. The information may be as minimal as an identifier of theseller, such as a trademark, seller name, logo, brand or other design. Awebsite customized for the seller that uniquely identifies that sellerand distinguishes the seller from other sellers on the network iscreated from the information by the central computing device. A sellerwho wishes to provide custom imaged products incorporating the seller'sbrand or logo can create the e-commerce site as described with a minimalinvestment of time or resources.

Product or service information by the networked e-commerce participantsor sellers may further provide information in establishing the websitethat includes, but is not limited to, product category, product name,product identification number, product description and specification,quality assurance and/or certification status, price, discount orpromotion schedule, payment methods accepted, contact information(address, phone number, email address, social network identification,etc.), and shipping and handling information (FIG. 11).

A production information API may reside on the both the network computerserver and the computing device of network participant including sellersand buyers allows product and commerce information to be extracted fromthe participants and automatically followed by a corresponding websitecreation at the network computer server. Validation from the participantwith a login API working in sync with the product information API ordynamic contents update through the publish and populating process ofthe developed website. (FIG. 13)

Both the automated e-commerce website and webpage may be provided with aunique Universal Resource Locator (URL) address. The website or webpageis accessible and populated to the internet community and participantsof the network served by the CCD (500) through server gateways and APIkeys (502), based on a set of application programming interfaces. Theseparticipants may use their personal digital communication devices suchas computers, mobile and smart units to input product or serviceinformation by uploading such information to computer servers, forexample, the CCD (500). Corresponding webpages, available to thenetwork, and perhaps general internet public, provide selected detailsfor soliciting, selecting, and/or enforcing commercial transactions.Certain features or functions, through private API key activation, maybe reserved for network participants or members for exclusive benefitssuch as discounts, promotions, product or inventory exchanges, and othercommercial benefits.

Previously prepared and designed templates having graphical, textual,and/or dynamic contents may be available in one or more library orknowledge based servers. Depending on the category and nature of theproduct or service provided by the e-commerce network the API orcomputer program module may adapt automatically and publish on theecommerce ecosystem via internet (World Wide web) subsets of buyers thatcan access, browse, search, order and otherwise utilize the network.

A web scraping or web harvesting engine may be used for sellers ormerchants to select a preferred basic web design structure or style frommultiple options. A server in the network (404) may search the internet(400) based on the product offering to be provided by theseller/merchant (405, 510) and download corresponding informationmeeting the criteria for the offering using middleware (401), governedby predesigned rules or regulations (402). The server converts thestructure, style, and other relevant information obtained into asuitable template for the seller's website or webpage. A spider storageengine (403) with customized spider middleware may be used for storagebefore and after conversion processes, and with the information to thetemplate library. (406, 501) Various development web-developmentlanguages or protocols such as Asp.net Core may be used to compose theinterface or middleware.

A dedicated computer server or internet cloud service, though connected,monitored and controlled by the CCD (500), may be utilized for thepurpose of website expression (FIG. 13, 505, 506) for multiplee-commerce participants, allowing information flow, and fulfillingcommercial activities according the production system of the invention.Such server or service may be controlled by a private gateway so thatprivacy and security are provided for the participants.

The seller may also be provided with choices of optional blank products(FIG. 13, 508) which the seller may offer from the seller's website orwebpage (504). These choices may be provided from the CCD, or by aproprietor or a network e-commerce participant or associate of theoperator of the CCD, who may also provide the digital template and imagelibrary (501) for establishing the seller's e-commerce website (504).The seller chooses products from the blank product catalog that theseller wishes to sell. The available blank product options are providedto the website, such as from the CCD (500), and listed on the website asbeing available to the customer (509).

Each seller or network ecommerce participant may have multiple productsor services each having multiple and different specifications, quality,designs or pricing. The website or webpage creation protocol ay haveadditional tools or APIs (FIG. 13, 503) to meet the requirements ofsuppliers and sellers. These tools provide unique webpage design foreach seller/merchant with varying page layouts, graphic appearance,distribution, content display and viewing, searching capabilities,dynamic price structuring, dialog capabilities with buyers, and evenautomatic fulfillment supplier selection/comparison based on theseller's commercial preferences and aesthetic objectives. The resultingwebpage provides unique identity characteristics and underlying featuresthat are different from other e-commerce participants, even within thesame ecosystem. A unique website presentation maximizes theseller/merchant's attractiveness to buyers and improves the efficacy ofthe website.

Commercial or customized tools and interface programs may be used toperfect the functions or features needed for website commercial needs.These functions or features may include basic webpage establishment,linguistic translation, automatic spell checking, time zone conversion,currency exchange conversion, real-time or dynamic content editing,graphic design or photo insertion and alignment, web linkageverification, etc. (FIG. 11) At least one catalog API, for example asite search API, allows buyers to properly view, search, and selectproducts or services based on a finalized webpage within the network.Data flow of various types is indexed, monitored, coordinated andcontrolled by CCD (500).

The networked computer server or cloud service portal (503) for theautomatic website or webpage creation may further provide additionalfunctions for the purpose of communications, facilitating currency orother monetary exchange, presenting, populating, promoting, transactingcommercial activity realization and interfacing with the end customer orbuyer through the internet or cloud. Separate servers may be used fordifferent elements of these functions, or additional functions toachieve higher quality digital management control.

A fully developed template and/or knowledge based library in oneembodiment may provide business cases and/or a question/answer databasein relevant e-commerce areas. Web design templates, stock design imagesand/or graphic designs may also be provided. This feature may beprovided by a standalone server (501) through a dedicated computinggateway switch, or as a portion of a server in conjunction with otherfunctions using dedicated API key controls. This and other interfaceprograms may be used by network participants focused on e-commerceproduct or service selling, and may also be provided for fulfillmentproviders interested in joining the e-commerce network, and whoseactivities are solely in manufacturing or the production of customizedgoods. The knowledgebase interface may also benefit buyers (509), notjust in gaining product knowledge, but potentially by transitioning suchparties into network sellers (510) or fulfillment manufacturer/producers(507).

In another embodiment, a graphic design API and/or product design toolor module (503) such as CreativeStudio® is included in the networkede-commerce ecosystem. Buyers may access an online API or module toassist in creating personalized and/or customized product designs withvarious graphic, material, blank product, or specialty requirementneeds. For instance, a stock image may be used to select a preferredholiday smart phone cover with corresponding pictures and texts. Inaddition, e-commerce customers or buyers (509) may also upload images ordesigns of their own creation to meet special product imagingrequirements. Demonstrations of how to use these graphic or productdesign tools or modules may be attached to the networked e-commerceparticipant's website, allowing easy access for interested buyers.

Commercial software development tools and cloud services may be used forcloud based application programming interface and integration, or dataprocessing , storage, or management. Examples include, but are notlimited to, I Cloud (owned and provided by IBM), Azure (owned andprovided by Microsoft) or AWS (owned and provided by Amazon) cloudenvironments. These commerce platforms may be used in conjunction withlocal computer servers and data flow balancing so that both efficiencyand redundancy can be ensured. A dynamic data backup or mirrorserver/data center may also be used to further enhance the integrityand/or safety of the e-commerce information.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the standard markup program languagefor the present invention in terms of webpage or website creation.However, the interface program or data handling of the network ecommercemay use various different programing languages or tools. Commercialinterface products may be integrated into the system. Examples of theseAPI or program modules may include Semantics3, BigCommerce's API such asLogin API or Catalog API, Snipchart, ForxyCart, Due, Square, Stripe,Taxjar's SmartCalcs, Fomo, Indix, Remarkkety, Shippo, UPS API, Recombee,FraudLabs Pro, Open Exchange Rates API, and Shopify. One skilled in theart may adopt suitable interface and data process application tools tofit the purpose of the ecommerce activities. Networked e-commerceparticipants who wish to install API applications on their correspondingdigital computing device need no skills or knowledge of these specificprogramming languages, but can follow concise instructions given by theinterface tools. Generic Internet or website browsers may be necessaryfor buyers or customers to complete ordering, communication andtransaction needs.

Different operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, Android,Apple Mac OS, Apple IOS and the like may be used by network e-commerceparticipants and buyers to access commercial webpages created by thepresent invention. These operating system may include an InternetInformation Services component that provides access and operatingfunctionalities and features. These functionalities and features ensurethat website pipeline and access operates smoothly across differentservers and data management subsystems.

The present invention is able to cover the entire globe. Participantsand buyers from different countries/regions, religions or cultures mayinteract through internet connections. A useful feature of calendaringfor periodic promotions, discounts or event management purposes, withdifferent pricing schemes may be applied. A standalone applicationprogramming interface may be added into the automatic web creationand/or through webpage dynamic content management (FIG. 11), allowingparticipants or sellers to add, modify, update or delete offerings basedon specific commercial needs.

The seller may use image or graphics design tools, such asCreativeStudio® or CorelDRAW®, to provide design templates to thecustomer that are suitable for imaging each blank product in theavailable inventory, or the seller may provide use of design tools forthe customer to create designs. Additionally, or alternatively, thecustomer or buyer may also provide a design for imaging the blankproduct. In one embodiment, the seller provides a design templatecreated by the seller that may be further customized by the customer orbuyer.

After the customer has selected a blank product and has created,supplied or selected a design image, the information is provided fromthe seller to the CCD (500), and the order is fulfilled and delivered asdescribed herein. The seller can fulfill the order in some cases, but itis not necessary for the seller to have the ability or capacity tofulfill the order. In one embodiment, it is not necessary for the sellerto have any image forming devices, image forming inventory, or blankproduct inventory. In another embodiment, the seller may have an ink jetprinter, but not a laser engraver or 3-D printer, in which case theseller can provide order fulfillment through a participant in thenetwork as described herein. (FIG. 13)

Digital devices, including digitally driven or controlled printers,engravers, laser cutters, embroidery machines, or automated screenprinters and the like (508) are also connected to the CCD (500) as partof the e-commerce network. These digital devices, in order tocommunicate with or be controlled by the CCD, are interfaced with APIand digital device specific interface protocols. These API may be builtwith digital device Software Development Kit (SDK) tool packages or toolsets including files such as .H (Header File), .DLL (Dynamic LinkLibrary), and/or .LIB (static library) files, which in turn build directinterfacing controls with these devices through firmware embedded insideof the device.

The networked e-commerce system may comprise a separate e-commerceecosystem such as a public, private, or temporary subsystem, controlledby rules governed at CCD. These subsystems may open to designatedcustomers or buyers. For instance, a separate ‘store’ may be created orinterfaced only for wholesalers (505), limited to participants with bulkquantity commerce interests, whereas another subsystem retailer ‘store’(506) opens to the general public offering smaller product quantities,such as a single customized fashion item. A networked e-commerceparticipant may join one or multiple subsystems by selecting optionsduring the product information upload stage, or during any period afterits entrance.

In today's e-commerce world, many individuals with business ambitionsare willing to learn relevant skills to enable their success. Theseskills may be high specialized, and therefore, the skills may not havebeen previously available or integrated. For example, persons interestedin digital surface imaging and customized product forming do need tolearn intricacies of modern digital imaging equipment usage andservices, color management skills, quality control and assurance, andgraphic/product design, which could otherwise require extensive trainingand skills. A computer server (501) with dedicated API may bestructured, in part or in conjunction with a template library, to allowthe interested participant to selectively study, learn, train and searchsolutions, through the internet/cloud from the participant's computer orother digital device.

Augmented or Virtual reality (ARNR) equipment and programs, as part ofthe Library/Knowledge base (501), may be used to provide educational ortraining processes, especially where sophisticated digital equipmentapplications, and/or remote certifications or qualifications areinvolved. An example of such training is the use of digital sublimationinkjet printers for custom product imaging. Standardized proceduresusing a certified printer and peripheral equipment such as a heatpress/vacuum heat press and colorimeter, and qualified/certifiedsubstrate selection or screening and personal protection processes maybe involved. A virtual reality program and commercial or specialty VRequipment such as Oculus Quest goggles and/or a headset may be used tohelp identify critical elements or processes and also allowmistake-correction training, so that a trainee grasps important conceptsand procedures.

One or more warehouse or inventory control participants may be includedin the e-commerce network. A dedicated computer server or a server (508)with other interface or data management/process functions for inventorycontrol and/or logistic management API may be used as part of thee-commerce network. The inventory server may serve one or morefulfillment units of ecommerce network, or act as an affiliate with oneor more sellers to provide finished ready-to-sell goods or inventories.A shared inventory server with application interface can allow shared ordispatched inventory needs among multiple e-commerce networkparticipants with optimized cost saving or timesaving for end users orbuyers. A machine learning algorithm may be integrated in theapplication program interface to adjust e-commerce network system needsso that overall e-commerce activities may be optimized for networkparticipants, through feedback from customers or buyers, sellers andfulfillers. (FIG. 11)

A centralized computer server or CCD (500) in the present invention isused to interface with different computer servers and data managementcomponents, and allows coordinated dynamic data and operating commandflow amongst various platforms, including website or webpage commercepublication, customer order management, pricing adjustment, logistichandling, promotion event scheduling, communication, exchange ratecalculation, and customer feedback and rating. A central webpage orwebsite may have multiple weblinks directing interested participants andcustomers to login in and manage their activities, including modifyingor updating subsystems from a seller, or searching or ordering by abuyer. Fulfillment or inventory participants can be dispatched withorder information and handling the manufacture and production of thedesignated product or substrate material. Buyers can then be informed ofupdates to invoicing and delivery.

Data collection and data analysis computing programs or modules, in yetanother embodiment, may reside in one or more networked e-commerceservers or cloud service platforms, under the supervision of the CCD.Webpage or website access records, customer interest or interestpopulation, visit frequency, signing log, price change, etc. and non-webcontents such as inventory levels, fulfillment processing, operatingparameters among participants or the like can be recorded and stored fordata tracking, verification and analysis purposes. Performance matricesbased on the data analysis may provide feedback to participants foradjustment, modification and/or inventory control.

Customers or buyers may simultaneously access multiple ecommerceparticipants or sellers via publishing (505, 506) or exchange platform(504). The networked e-commerce ecosystem provides prices, shippingdistances/times, product quality ratings and/or certification status,and participants' performance rating comparison API, module or computingmechanisms assist buyers in selecting the optimal seller or merchant tosatisfy transaction requirements.

An anti-fraud computing module or API is a preferred element of thenetworked e-commerce ecosystem. A module of this type allows a networkmaster from the CCD (500) and e-commerce participants to identify andverify malicious access to the network from remote locations or devices,especially from presumed consumers or buyers (509). Such module or APIscreens provide elements of orders, transactions with Internet Protocoladdress identification, proxy masking, geographic location, unprovenfinancial ability, fraudulent credit card information, spywareinsertion/uploading, and the like, and flag fraudulent processes beforeactual transactions are approved.

The physical location of various computer servers and data servers withfunctions described above may vary, depending on the specific commercesituation. Cloud service platforms may also be incorporated. Remoteaccess is not always limited to provision through the Internet, WorldArea Network (WAN) but may also be provided by a Local Area Network(LAN). In some necessary cases, direct linkage with USB, network cablesuch as CATS, CAT5E, CAT6, CAT6a, or even wireless connection between oramong different system components is utilized. Digital printers, forinstance, may be used for product fulfillment (508) in the networkede-commerce ecosystem, and may be accessed, monitored, and controlledthrough several levels of communication from a remote main server to alocal computer, or through local wireless network connections.

What is claimed:
 1. A method for providing images on products using asystem comprising: a plurality of geographically separated image formingdevices, each geographically separated image forming device beingcapable of data communication with a central computing device so as topermit communication to the central computing device of a specificationof the image forming device and an image forming inventory of materialswith which the image may be formed and a blank product inventoryassociated with the image forming device and available to the imageforming device; the method comprising the steps of: the centralcomputing device creating a plurality of custom websites for a pluralityof sellers, each website of the plurality of websites presenting aplurality of image choices and a plurality of blank product choices;selecting an image and a blank product upon which the image is to beformed through a website of a seller of the plurality of sellers;communicating the selected image and selected blank product to thecentral computing device; the central computing device determiningspecifications for forming the selected image on the selected blankproduct; the central computing device using the determinedspecifications to select an appropriate image forming device of theplurality of geographically separated image forming devices for formingthe selected image on the selected blank product based upon thespecification of the image forming device available, and the imageforming inventory and the blank product inventory available at thegeographic location of the image forming device; forming the selectedimage on the blank product at the remote location using the imageforming device selected by the central computing device from theplurality of geographically separated image forming devices.
 2. Theproduct imaging method of claim 1, further comprising the step of eachseller of the plurality of sellers providing a seller identifier to thecentral computing device prior to the central computing device creatingthe custom website for the seller.
 3. The product imaging method ofclaim 1, wherein the central computing device creates the custom websitefrom a library contained in a database of the central computing device.4. The product imaging method of claim 1, wherein the central computingdevice creates the custom website by scraping other websites.
 5. Theproduct imaging method of claim 1, wherein the geographically remoteimage forming device comprises a printer and a computerized embroiderymachine.
 6. The product imaging method of claim 1, wherein thegeographically remote image forming device comprises a printer and acomputerized embroidery machine, and wherein the printer comprises anink jet printer and a direct-to-garment printer.
 7. The product imagingmethod of claim 1, wherein the geographically remote image formingdevice comprises a printer and a blank product cutter.
 8. The productimaging method of claim 1, wherein the geographically remote imageforming device comprises a printer and a blank product cutter andwherein the printer comprises an ink jet printer and a 3D printer. 9.The product imaging method of claim 1, wherein the geographically remoteimage forming device comprises a printer and a computerized engravingmachine.
 10. The product imaging method of claim 1, wherein the blankproduct inventory comprises ceramics and textiles.
 11. The productimaging method of claim 1, wherein the blank product inventory comprisesceramics and garments.
 12. The product imaging method of claim 1,wherein the blank product inventory comprises ceramics and metal. 13.The product imaging method of claim 1, wherein the blank productinventory comprises metal and textiles.
 14. The product imaging methodof claim 1, wherein the blank product inventory comprises metal andglass.
 15. The product imaging method of claim 1, wherein the blankproduct inventory comprises metal and wood.
 16. The product imagingmethod of claim 1, wherein the central computing device selects an imageforming device based upon the geographic location of image forminginventory consisting of textile, ceramic and metal.
 17. The productimaging method of claim 1, wherein the image forming inventory comprisessublimation ink.
 18. The product imaging method of claim 1, wherein theimage forming inventory comprises yarn and printer ink.
 19. The productimaging method of claim 1, further comprising the step of the centralcomputing device communicating a waveform specification to the imageforming device.
 20. The product imaging method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of the central computing device communicating animage specification to the image forming device, and the imagespecification comprises visual graphics information, image size andimage resolution.